#8 Ryle (17-0) vs. #5 South Warren (15-1-1)
October 29, 2020 – 3:00pm – Henry Clay High School
By Perry Swack – Sporting Times Reporter
South Warren continued its impressive season the pitch, upending 2019 state finalist Daviess County in this year’s state quarterfinals. With the win, the Spartans were rewarded with the school’s first ever semifinal appearance. The club will take on undefeated Ryle, the 9th Region champions. The Raiders, led by coach Stephen Collins, have allowed only four goals all season. However, the Spartans – led by coach Tom Alexander – appear to be the favorites. According to the state Maher Rankings, South is ranked #5 and Ryle #8. Utilizing the KHSAA RPI, the Spartans are #2 and Ryle checks in at #12. Obviously, rankings mean very little once the ball is kicked off, and we should be in for an outstanding match Thursday afternoon.
First-Ever Meeting between South Warren & Ryle
Players to Watch
In talking about South Warren, you have to start with senior Eldin Velic. The forward has been on an absolute tear in the postseason, scoring 13 goals between 14th District, 4th Region, and state tournament play. He has been unbelievable, with a nose for the goal like few others. After his hattrick to clinch the 4th Region title, Velic scored a brace against Daviess County in South’s state quarterfinal match. Anthony Cano and Luie Kogetsu help pace the midfield, providing both goals and assists. The duo has combined for 21 assists on the season, including 11 this postseason. The Spartan defense has only conceded eight goals all season and never more than one in a single match. Stalwarts on the backline like Jaxon Hope and David Mung will be critical in keeping the Raiders out of the net. Their ability to connect on set pieces – including corner kicks – may decide the match.
The Ryle Raiders bring an unblemished record into the match and are balanced in the attack. Senior Lance Paul is tied for the team lead with 13 goals and leads the club with 12 assists. Junior Conner Race has also tallied 13 goals on the season. The Raiders are ferocious on defense, giving up a state-best 4 goals all season. The club has 13 shutouts in 17 games. Senior Noah Moeller anchors the defense and was named the MVP of the 9th Region Tournament. Colsen Neace is also a standout on the backline, being named to the All-Region Tournament Team as well.
Preview and Prediction
Ryle may be undefeated but the metrics like the Spartans. It’s hard to argue with the metrics. South has played a slightly tougher schedule, earning impressive wins over Trinity, Daviess County, McCracken County, Central Hardin, and beating Warren Central twice. Coach Alexander’s club is a top ten team in scoring (4.6 goals per game) and top two in defense (0.5 goals allowed per game).
Ryle will be no pushover though, returning to the state semifinals for the first time since 2017 when they lost a heartbreaker in double overtime to Daviess County. The 17 seniors on the team this year were freshmen that season. This is the program’s first state tournament appearance since that season.
My prediction is that we see a tight, defensive showdown between the Spartans and the Raiders. It only seems fitting that the Spartans’ first goal would come from Eldin Velic, who will continue his scoring tear against Ryle. The 1-0 lead at half will give South the momentum it needs to stay on the offensive in the second half. Alex Ortiz will find Velic for what appears to be a second goal early in the second half, but a clearance by Moeller will keep the lead at 1-0. The balanced attack of Ryle will seek for the equalizer, but as the game wanes into the final minutes it will look like it’s nowhere to be found. A quick counterattack by the Spartans – led by Anthony Cano – will give South a golden opportunity to double its lead. However, a questionable offsides call will bring the ball back. Late in the match, Lance Paul and Conner Race will link up for a dangerous chance. But a leaping save by Tayshaun Jones will be the final nail in the coffin.
South Warren 1, Ryle 0
The winner of this game will advance to the state championship game scheduled for Saturday, October 31 at 6:30pm CST at Henry Clay High School. The winner will face either St. Xavier or Corbin.
